Promoting British values in the early years has nothing to do with flags, royal crafts or a “British week”. It is about the everyday attitudes children learn in your room: waiting for a turn, helping to make a rule, choosing between the paint and the sand, and hearing about a friend’s family celebration. This course shows your team how to recognise the four values in the practice you already have, strengthen them on purpose, and talk about them confidently.
Why British values matter in the early years
Under-fives are not born with prejudice. They absorb attitudes from the adults and the world around them. Children who grow up experiencing fairness, respect and the freedom to think for themselves are better protected against extreme and intolerant views later in life. Early years settings get to make difference ordinary and warmly valued before any contrary message lands.
The duty to promote fundamental British values flows from the Prevent duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which requires early years providers to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Nobody expects you to talk to two-year-olds about terrorism. Ofsted will look for the values lived in everyday practice, and for staff who can explain how their room promotes them.
What’s in the course
- What are the fundamental British valuesThe four values word for word, where the duty comes from, and what “actively promoting” really means.
- Democracy in the early yearsTurn-taking, visible votes children understand, and hearing every voice, including babies and quieter children.
- The rule of lawSimple, positive rules made with the children, applied to everyone, with consequences that lead to making amends.
- Individual libertyGenuine choices, safe risk-taking, and helping children know their own minds within safe boundaries.
- Mutual respect and toleranceCelebrating difference every day, answering children’s questions, and challenging stereotypes and remarks.
- Linking to Prevent and evidencing for OfstedWhat a concern might look like, the route through your DSL, and how to make your practice visible.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- The four values by name: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- How the duty links to the Prevent duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
- How to run a vote children understand, with pebbles or bricks, and why you must honour the result
- How to build room rules with children, explain the reason and apply them to the adults too
- How to offer choices you can honour and let children take safe risks
- How to reflect diversity in books, toys and food all year, and avoid tokenism
- How to challenge a stereotype or a discriminatory remark, including one from an adult
- How to record a radicalisation concern factually and pass it to your Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day
Who this course is for
- Practitioners in every room, since the values live in daily routines and play
- Room leaders and managers who plan provision and prepare for inspection
- Apprentices, students and bank staff who need to answer an inspector’s question with confidence
- Childminders
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- 6 short lessonsOne lesson on what the values are, one on each value, and one on Prevent and Ofsted.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
Inspectors expect to meet staff who can explain how their room promotes the values, and that includes apprentices and bank staff, so this course works well taken by the whole team. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. Related courses: The Prevent Strategy and Equality and Diversity (Level 2).
Frequently asked questions
What are the four fundamental British values?
Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. In the early years they are shown through everyday routines, play and relationships.
Do we need a British values display?
No. Inspectors do not expect a British values noticeboard or a scripted answer. Photos of children voting or agreeing rules, your observations and planning, and staff who can talk about the values in their own words say far more.
How do British values link to the Prevent duty?
The duty to promote them flows from Prevent. Promoting respect, tolerance, fairness and the freedom to be yourself is how early years settings meet the spirit of Prevent in an age-appropriate way.
What should I do if I am worried a family is being drawn towards extremism?
Treat it like any other safeguarding concern. Record what you saw or heard factually and speak to your Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day. Never investigate yourself or question the family about it.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
Will this help at Ofsted?
Ofsted does not approve training providers, and the certificate is evidence that training was completed. The final lesson helps each practitioner prepare one real example per value, plus the name of your DSL and your referral route, so they can answer an inspector’s question with confidence.
